News 17 December to 23 December
A Festive Reflection from District Commander Chief Inspector Michelle Sparks
As I look back on my first year as District Commander for Colchester, I feel a bit like George Bailey in It’s a Wonderful Life—grateful for the incredible team I work with and the amazing community we serve.
Over the past 12 months, we’ve worked hard to make Colchester safer—and together, we’ve achieved real results. We’ve seen reductions in burglary and anti-social behaviour, increased patrols in key areas, and strengthened our partnership with local communities. These successes are thanks to the dedication of our officers and the support of residents who report concerns and work with us every day.
Now, as we head into the festive season, let’s channel our inner Elf and spread cheer by looking out for one another. Christmas is about family, friends, and creating memories that last longer than the turkey leftovers. Please remember: the best gift you can give your loved ones is your safety. If you’re planning to enjoy a drink, don’t be a Grinch—leave the car keys at home and arrange a safe way to get back. As Clark Griswold said in Christmas Vacation, “We’re gonna have the hap-hap-happiest Christmas,” and that starts with making good choices.
Whether you’re dreaming of a White Christmas or hoping for a drama-free holiday (because none of us want a sequel to Die Hard), let’s make sure this season is about joy, not regret. Keep your homes secure, check in on those who might need a little extra support, and remember—kindness is the ultimate Christmas spirit. As Kris Kringle reminded us in Miracle on 34th Street, “Christmas isn’t just a day, it’s a frame of mind.”
If you need to report a crime or concern, please use the appropriate channels:
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Emergency: Call 999
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Non-emergency: Call 101 or visit https://www.essex.police.uk
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Anonymous reporting: Contact Crimestoppers at https://www.crimestoppers-uk.org or call 0800 555 111
From all of us at Colchester Police, have a safe, happy, and peaceful Christmas. As Buddy the Elf says, “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear”—but we’ll settle for kindness and good choices. Here’s to a fantastic New Year, and together we’ll keep making Colchester even safer in 2026 and remember no matter what anyone tells you Die hard is not a Christmas Movie......
Stay safe, stay merry, and see you in the New Year!
Christmas party season is underway and our teams will be out in town and city centres this weekend to keep the public safe and help anyone who needs assistance.
Officers have been visiting venues across the county and will be out patrolling in high footfall areas including the centres of Chelmsford, Colchester and Southend to look out for vulnerable people and spot signs of concerning behaviour.
They will be a focusing on protecting women and girls, helping people who become isolated from their friends, and offering advice about personal safety and drink spiking prevention.
Officers will be working with local councils’ community safety teams, street pastors and charity partners to make sure people who need help on a night out can get it.
n the past six weeks, our officers have made 235 arrests for shop theft across Essex.
Our Business Crime Team is appealing to people who may be considering stealing, perhaps for the first time, to think again.
Sergeant Christian Denning says stealing from local shops ‘is a blow to the heart of the community.
“It’s not just goods lost, it’s livelihoods threatened.
"A single act of theft can ripple through a community, raising prices, reducing services and closing doors that once welcomed neighbours.
"Protecting small businesses means protecting the soul of our local economy because when they fail, we all feel the impact – our neighbourhoods lose their character, their convenience and their confidence."
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Upcoming community police events
Wednesday 7 January 11am to 12pm
Oak Tree Coffee House, 4 Highwoods Square
Thursday 8 January 10am to 12pm
Franks café Turkey cock lane Stanway
Thursday 8 January 10:30am to 11:30am
Greggs , Culver Sq.
Wednesday 14 January 10am to 11am
Wimpole Road Church
Thursday 15 January 8am to 10am
Priory street church
Thursday 22 January 10am to 12pm
Black Sheep Coffee House, 79 Culver street east
 Crime prevention advice
Going Away This Christmas? Keep Your Home Safe
The festive season is a time for celebration, but it’s also a prime opportunity for burglars. If you’re planning to spend Christmas away from home, take a few simple steps to protect your property:
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Make your home look lived in: Use timer switches for lights and leave curtains drawn as you normally would. Avoid posting your travel plans on social media.
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Secure doors and windows: Double-check all locks before leaving. Consider upgrading to high-quality locks if you haven’t already.
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Ask a trusted neighbour for help: They can keep an eye on your property, collect post, and even park a car in your driveway to give the impression someone is home.
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Don’t leave valuables on display: Store gifts and electronics out of sight and away from windows.
By taking these precautions, you can enjoy your holiday knowing your home is safe. Let’s work together to keep Colchester secure this Christmas!
Be fraud smart
Stay Safe from Christmas Fraud
The festive season is one of the busiest times for online shopping—and unfortunately, for fraudsters too. Criminals take advantage of the rush by creating fake websites, sending phishing emails, and setting up scam social media ads. Always shop with trusted retailers and check that the website address begins with https:// before entering any payment details. Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited emails or messages, even if they look genuine.
Beware of Delivery Scams
With so many parcels arriving, scammers often send fake delivery notifications claiming a missed parcel or asking for a small “redelivery fee.” These messages can look convincing, but they’re designed to steal your personal and financial information. If you receive such a message, do not click the link—instead, check directly with the delivery company using their official website or app.
Protect Your Personal Information
Never share sensitive details like passwords or banking information via email or text. Enable two-factor authentication on your accounts and monitor your bank statements regularly for unusual transactions. A few extra precautions can help ensure your Christmas remains joyful and fraud-free.
Keep Your Christmas Gifts Safe in Colchester
The holiday season is a busy time for everyone, including opportunistic thieves. When shopping for Christmas presents, never leave gifts in your car—even for a short time. Items left on seats or in plain view can attract criminals. If you must store them temporarily, lock them in the boot and ensure your vehicle is secure.
Better yet, take your purchases straight home. A few extra minutes can prevent a costly and upsetting theft. Let’s keep Colchester safe this Christmas!
Visit the Essex Police website for last week's crime data. Especially useful to Essex Watch and Neighbourhood Watch groups.
 How much alcohol can I drink and not be over the limit?
The only safe limit of alcohol to have in your blood and drive is zero!
It is not advisable to even have one drink and drive as alcohol impairs your judgement and lessens your reflexes. The official amount of alcohol is 35 microgrammes per 100ml of breath reading, this cannot be translated into an exact amount of units as it depends on many factors, height and weight, the time when last drink was consumed etc, so the best advice is not to drink at all or to order a taxi.
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